The Detroit Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. But looking at the guard spots there are questions looking toward next season. Kevin Zeitler is a free agent, and he has an ever-growing list of potential suitors. Christian Mahogany looked good in his two starts as a rookie, and he could take over a starting spot. Graham Glasgow moved over to left guard to accommodate the signing of Zeitler, but he had a rough 2024 season.
There are multiple possible scenarios. Zeitler could be back, or he could be gone (said "Captain Obvious"). Glasgow could be a cap casualty, and at minimum he should face competition for a starting spot (could be either guard spot, depending on what happens with Zeitler). Mahogany could become the favorite to start at whatever guard spot winds up making sense, or he could be deemed to need more development before being anointed like that.
If things break a certain way, a reunion with a previously unmentioned former Pro Bowler could make sense.
Lions suggested to bring back former Pro Bowler if the scenario breaks that way
As the free agent guard market boomed last offseason, it became more and more clear that Jonah Jackson would not be back with the Lions. And he cashed in on that boom, signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams.
Things did not go well in Jackson's first season as a Ram. A shoulder injury in training camp did not prevent him for playing in the 2024 season opener against the Lions (starting at center, by the way), then he fractured his scapula in that shoulder in Week 2 and did not return until Week 10. Back at center for that game, he was benched the following week in favor of sixth-round rookie Beaux Limmer.
Jackson did not play again until the Rams' inconsequential regular season finale, starting at right guard. With that in mind, Matt Okuda of NFL.com had Jackson on his list of potential cut candidates for NFC teams this past week.
"If L.A. does make significant cuts, Jonah Jackson would likely be in consideration. The former Pro Bowl guard signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the team last March and was the starting center for Week 1, but he fractured his scapula in Week 2, had a poor showing in his Week 10 return and was inactive for the rest of the relevant games of the season. As a standard release, Jackson would eat up $11.3 million in dead money, saving just $3.3 million in 2025, but if he's designated as a post-June 1 cut, the team would net $9 million in savings."
On the idea Jackson could be cut, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports likes the idea of the Lions bringing him back.
"The most likely route here is that the Lions do bring back Zietler and Mahogany could find a spot to start, but if Detroit does move on from Glasgow and they feel like they want to give Mahogany just a little bit more time to cook, bringing back Jonah Jackson should be the way to go for this team."
Jackson earned a Pro Bowl nod at left guard with the Lions in 2021, then injuries became a factor the following two seasons. Then last season happened, when he was injured and didn't play well before being rendered inconsequential.
If Jackson is cut by the Rams, there's a lot that would have to happen on the Lions' end before bringing him back would seem to be a consideration. So let's put the idea of a reunion here into the "never say never" category.
